The Privilege of Exclusion

The liberal protestants problem is they have no spiritual life. They are concerned about this world only, and have no concern about their sinful condition and how to get that fixed. They have misdiagnosed the problem and prescribed the wrong remedy. I expect this situation will continue unaltered, with few exceptions.

Gary,

I just love it when you make these statements because you, my friend, are the Poster Boy for why Theism is no longer relevant to human spiritual development.
Keep up the good work.

Hensci, Frank!

Isn't it amazing how people can blindly condemn millions of Christians, just because they don't follow some lying, mindbending, hate spreading fundamentalist preacher?

For instance, I recently "talked" with several people who are like me- an Assemblies of God walkouts. I learned something that I suspected was common practice- people were told to fake tongues, or they'd receive coaching on how to "do" it and told when. I also learned that the preachers would set up emotional and vocal triggers (mind control) for "manifestations of the spirit"- and since they were under the preacher's deliberate and planned control; these manifestations are suspect AT BEST!

If the practice is suspect- how much more should the preaching be distrusted???

Another common experience (that is rather scary) is that when examined, much of the behavior towards walkouts and people who don't walk in lockstep with the preachers is actually SORCERY!!! Praying harm to someone who you don't agree with can quickly fall into this area- so it is something to be avoided at all cost (even if that harm is meant for "good"- and in almost all cases it is to FORCE the person to return "to God"- translation the mentally and spiritually abusive church!)

So, you add these things up and what do you get? The inverse of Christianity.

I know some Quakers (on campus at that!) I find that of all of the denominations, they think closer to what I do than the rest (with possibly the exception of Br. Damien's church- but I don't know enough about that to be sure!)

The idea that "liberal Protestants" (and presumbably liberal Catholics) are concerned about "the world only" as compared (I would assume) with conservative christians, is ludicrous beyond belief. It is the conservative "christian" movement which has taught (and continues to teach) that there is no shame in accumulating wealth, in "living the good life", in supporting war and apathy toward the poor, in indulging in prejudice and intolerance (anyone catch the utterly CHARMING speech by Ann Coulter and her remarks about John Edwards?), and in wallowing like a hog in pseudo-patriotic fervor. They have encouraged idolatry in more than one form, and in promoting a love of money (worship of Mammon), and of nation over humankind, have proven themselves the epitomy of being "concerned with the world only". Further evidence is their reluctance to refer back to the actual teachings of Jesus, preferring instead to quote from scripture outside of The Gospels. When you hear a conservative/fundamentalist quote scripture, a good 90% of the time (at least) it will be from outside The Gospels, demonstrating again and again their aversion to the actual doctrines and instructions of Jesus Christ, preferring instead to obsess on The Book of Revelation or references to the Old Covenant. Much like a vampire is repelled by The Cross, these people seem to find The Gospels more than a bit unpalatable (or at least parts of it, like "Woe to the rich, for they already have their rewards").

I have always found the hypocricy of the conservative "christian" movement to be as much bizarre as it is mean-spirited. For instance, there can be little doubt that this group genuinely believes that God loves Jews more than Arabs, and yet while believing they will earn some sort of celestial "brownie points" by defending Israel no matter WHAT it does, they simultaneously believe that all Jews who do not accept Jesus Christ before their deaths will burn in Hell. But then, for a mindset that professes to call Jesus Lord, and at the same time celebrates the excesses (and atrocities) of unbridled capitalism, this should be of little surprise. I found it interesting to note, in a recent documentary on The History Channel, that the question of Who Goes to Hell was raised, and the subsequent differences of opinion within Christendom were discussed...YET, not once in the documentary (which seemed to have a slightly "conservative" slant to it), NOT ONCE did they refer to the fact that Jesus actually SAYS what the measuring stick is by which The Sheep will be separated from The Goats (and The Goats sent to the place where there is "much wailing and gnashing of teeth"). For what we have done "For the Least of These" will (according to Jesus/God) determine our fate. Additionally Jesus makes it plain that simply mouthing words like The Pharisees did will not get us into Heaven, and all of the public displays of piety that conservative "christians" promote, and all of their assertions that they are "washed in The Blood" will come to nothing if they have ignored the teachings of The Master, and have not gone "beyond the righteousness of The Pharisees".

Peace and Blessings,
Brother Damien

Brother Damien, all I can say to your article is
amen, you are exactly right in your article about
fundemental christianity. As a ex-southern Baptist who has resigned in writing from the Baptist church I can"t agree with you more. Well said.
Leonard Adams

Damien,

It is true that many who call themselves Christians are probably not, and that applies to conservative Christians as well as liberal ones. And, there are some who might be believers, but who are unlearned in the Scriptures, and hold beliefs that don't line up with the Bible. But,the charge I made that liberals are concerned about this world only is a valid one and well documented by both their words and their actions.

If you read their writings or listen to their speech, you will soon learn that "liberal Christians" are much more concerned with "the poor", or "universal health care" or "global warming", or any number of things that have to do with this world and this life, and are not at all concerned about whether they or others have a remedy for their sin and possess eternal life. Without personal salvation, what good one may do in this life will be insufficient when this life is over. That was my basic point, and it is a good one.

I find it ironic that spewing hatred for fellow humans who happen to be homosexual is considered by some to be acceptable as christian, but they castigate those who, like Teyose (Jesus), care for the poor. I would ask: Would not Christians be concerned about the things that Teyose expressed concern about? To be more concerned about the condition of someone's soul while that person is starving to death- especially if the first person has more than enough to eat- VIOLATES THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF CHRIST!!!!!! In fact, I've heard that called "spiritual headhunting" and it is offensive to God. Feed the person and then let your actions lead that person to Christ- don't try to drive them when they don't have the strength to go.

I'm not saying don't help people who need material help. But, the eternal is far more important than the temporal. And eternity is largely ignored by "mainline Christians".